A cloud-based automated parking system for smart campus

Abstract

Finding a vacant parking space is becoming a real problem especially in areas with limited parking spots such as airports, shopping centres, offices, as well as universities. Searching for available parking slots is normally time consuming and always results in frustration especially when time is the major constraints. Moreover, vacant parking is hard to be noticed due to unsystematic parking system. This will result in longer searching time which can also lead to traffic congestion. In addition, lack of security enforcement on cars entering universities campus is also one of the main issues contributing to insufficient parking spaces. This might cause some unauthorized cars to take opportunity to get inside the campus without any approval and consent from security department. Therefore, A Cloud-based Automated Parking System for Smart Campus is developed in this project. It consists of a sub-system that is developed to display availability number of parking slots so that it will assist authorize users to easily find their parking spots. The proposed system can also recognize car plate number through Automated Car Plate Recognition (ACPR) mechanism which is located at the campus main entrance gate to avoid unauthorized cars from getting in. This has strengthened security level inside campus and ensure the safety of students and staffs. All the information collected are sent into the cloud and stored inside a database system. The information regarding vacant parking can also be displayed using the developed mobile apps.